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Glossary
aivrar edited this page Jul 6, 2026
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| Term | Plain English Explanation |
|---|---|
| API | A way for programs to talk to each other. An API key is like a password that lets Hermes use an online service. |
| API Key | A long code (like a password) that gives Hermes permission to use an online service. You get these from the service's website. |
| Model | The AI "brain." Different models are good at different things. Think of them like different experts — one might be great at writing, another at math. |
| GPU | Your graphics card. Originally designed for gaming, but perfect for running AI models. NVIDIA GPUs are required for local AI. |
| VRAM | Memory on your GPU. Determines how big an AI model you can run. More VRAM = bigger/smarter models. |
| Token | A piece of text, roughly 4 characters or 3/4 of a word. AI models process text in tokens. "Hello world" = 2 tokens. |
| Context Length | How much text the AI can "see" at once. Like the AI's short-term memory. 4096 tokens ≈ 3,000 words. |
| GGUF | A file format for AI models that run on your computer. Like .mp3 is for music, .gguf is for AI models. |
| Quantization | Compression for AI models. Q4 = very compressed (small, fast), Q8 = light compression (bigger, more accurate). Like JPEG quality settings for images. |
| Inference | When the AI generates a response. "Running inference" = "the AI is thinking." |
| Tool | A specific action Hermes can take — like searching the web, reading a file, or generating an image. Portable Hermes exposes 96 core tools, plus extension and custom tools. |
| Toolset | A group of related tools. The "web" toolset includes web_search and web_extract. |
| Workflow | A saved sequence of tool calls that run automatically. Like a macro or recipe. |
| Extension | An add-on module that gives Hermes new abilities (TTS, Music, Image Generation). Each is a separate program that runs alongside Hermes. |
| OpenRouter | An online service that lets you use many different AI models through one API key. Like a universal remote for AI. |
| LM Studio | A free program for running AI models on your own computer. Like a music player, but for AI models. |
| Prompt | The text you send to an AI model. Your message is the prompt. |
| Streaming | When the AI response appears word-by-word instead of all at once. |
| Session | A single conversation from start to finish. Each session is saved separately. |
| Sub-agent | A separate AI instance that Hermes creates to work on a specific task, then reports back. Like delegating work to an assistant. |